The closed cell foam if cut larger and forced into place would take a significant amount of force to push out. They use this in roof racks and also I think the same name but a different make up for the standing platforms in some kayaks. Malibu for sure uses it and it holds great. Think of it like a stiffer pool noodle compound. But back to the amount of force to push it out...A water hose on full blast wouldn't be able to force it out...it'd take a good deal more than that to remove it. Maybe even if inserted from the bottom leaving just a little protruding might give you a little more security on it.

I wish I had a piece big enough left over. I'd gladly put one together and do some water testing...of course I have a TI yet...so it'd have to be on my PA.

The comments about "right of way" and sailboat vs powerboat raise some interesting questions.

Agreed. My understanding of right-of-way is dated and comes from what I remember in sailing navigation books back in the early 1970's. Based upon what I recall, craft under sail trumped all, whether they were encountering boats or ships (boats being anything small enough to be brought aboard a ship - except submarines, which are *always* called boats). Though in practical terms, a ship or large boat ("working craft") under power cannot necessarily maneuver to avoid a craft under sail, so the onus is on the sailor to back down and avoid the larger powered vessels. I always understood the smaller powered craft to be maneuverable enough to yield to sailboats, though I'm going to have to review that based upon your other comments.

Did not know about all of SF Bay being considered a "channel" - that was an eye-opener!

And, yes - I always understood a sailboat under power to be a powerboat. I would also expect that a kayak with a Mirage or Evolve drive to be legally considered a "powerboat" in a court of law.

All that said - I have never challenged a vessel of *any* size under power for right-of-way. I've always been in sailboats under 45 feet in length (mostly much smaller) and considered powerboats to be the top of the food chain because of the lethal damage they are capable of delivering. So when one obviously yields to me, I always take care to acknowledge that with a smile and friendly wave. And if they don't yield, I back off with plenty of space to spare.

NOHUHU wrote:

You may even be able to (carefully) use expandable foam mixes to shape a perfect new plug.

That's a good idea, too.

SinkingShip wrote:

The closed cell foam if cut larger and forced into place would take a significant amount of force to push out.

All good, thoughtful ideas - thanks! I'll have to cogitate on them for awhile.

With our TI we got two sets of drivewell seals. I wonder if fitting one to the plug may help?

You could also try some of those self adhesive seal kits they sell for doors to keep draughts out. They are available in foam or a tube type rubber profile. Not sure if it would stick to the plug?Remember though you need to have some gap to let water drain out.I'd try it but the weather here has been terrible (we are in the middle of winter) and on the few decent days we've had I've had to work.

Yes, there is a fix on the way to the dealers this week and we should see our fix kit by this weekend. In the meantime we have an order of Spectra kite cord on the way and it should arrive tomorrow. I also plan to do the hack to the internals that was earlier posted.

I should point out that we were aware of the problem from the outset due to this forum (thanks guys!) and caught it each time before the aka went out more than an inch or so. Clipping them back into proper position was simple - just luff the sail and use both hands to reseat it. Took about 5 seconds or so each time.

...but the weather here has been terrible (we are in the middle of winter) and on the few decent days we've had I've had to work.

Naw, it just feels like the middle of Winter already. Your Winter only starts Monday!

No pouting, you guys had a great Summer this year. So many great pic's.

Too soon it will be your Spring again...

Yeah, Thanks for that Bob. I can't really complain about our winters here. It's just frustrating that now I finally have the TI and I can't get out when I want. It's not the cold but the 30knot winds and electrical storms! The TI is the kayak I have been waiting for since 2007 when we got our Oasis!We have had one sail in light winds but that was enough to convince me what a great craft this is!Actually back on topic this is a true sailing craft that tacks easily and doesn't need the Miragedrive when sailing most of the time.It would be great if Hobie came out with a drivewell plug that did seal properly!